The Brazil Under-21 international also stated last week that he would still be in Rome next season after signing a five-year contract.

But the Daily Star Sunday understands that United's scouts have been hugely impressed with Anderson, 22, and that could lead to a £30m bid.

United boss Louis van Gaal believes Anderson would fit perfectly into his squad.

He's an attacking midfielder who can operate as a winger.

Anderson made his name in Brazil with Santos, the club made famous by Pele, before moving to Italy.

His club Lazio, meanwhile, are being linked with United striker Robin Van Persie, whose future is in doubt.

But there is no suggestion yet of a swap deal - although that situation could change.

Anderson has also been scouted by Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona.

SOUTHAMPTON can have no complaints about Morgan Schneiderlin's bid to quit the club to play in the Champions League.

That's the verdict of Saints legend Matt Le Tissier, who reckons the Saints tough-tackling midfielder has earned the right to get a move to a bigger club.

Manchester United and Arsenal are keen on recruiting the Frenchman, 25, who can leave St Mary's for a fee of £25million.

Ronal Koeman's outfit look set to lose Nathaniel Clyne to Liverpool in the summer, too.

And Le Tissier, who scored 209 goals in 540 Southampton appearances between 1985 and 2002, said: "We might lose Schneiderlin or Clyne, possibly, but if we do we've proven in the past we can go out and replace properly.

"I think in Morgan's case he's been quoted as saying if a Champions League club came in he'd want to go that way, and you can't blame the boy for that."

Le Tissier, 46, believes Koeman will boost his squad in the summer to cope with Saints' Europa League campaign.

He added: "The squad will need strengthening, first and foremost.

"It might not be good news for the likes of Liverpool and Spurs who might think it's a bit of a distraction, but for a club like Southampton I think it's fantastic, the exposure they're going to get throughout Europe.

"There are a lot of positives to be taken from it. I think Ronald will take the competition seriously. I'm looking forward to hopefully a nice long run in it."